Manchester United V West Ham Preview : Will this be United's season?

Manchester United had an unusual season last term to say the least. The finished sixth in the Premier League, but still managed to secure qualification to the Champions League. How? Because they won the Europa League, and they won the EFL Cup while they were at it. Jose Mourinho is known to love silverware, but only the Premier League trophy will do now. Can West Ham throw a spanner (or hammer) in the works?

Stutter

West Ham had a great season back in 2015-16. They beat several top sides away from home, had a top-half finish, found a gem in Dimitri Payet and were moving into the London Stadium, formerly known as the Olympic Stadium. Fast forward to today; they failed in a big money move for Simone Zaza, they were getting beaten reguarly at home last season, they finished in the bottom half of the league (just) and Payet went home to France in January. Safe to say, Slaven Bilic was expecting a bit more out of his troops. But, with Aaron Cresswell and Andy Carroll injured for long spells, the Hammers failed to play the football they know they can. What they have done this summer is sign three game changers: Joe Hart in goal, Marko Arnautovic out wide and Javier Hernandez in attack. All three are proven in England and look sure-fire good additions.

The Special One is back

Manchester United broke the world transfer record last summer to bring Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford and they certainly showed they are not shy to spend a few bob this year either. Romelu Lukaku, who scored 26 league goals for Everton last season, has arrived at the club for £75 million; Victor Lindelof has been signed to sure up the defence and partner Eric Bailly while Nemanja Matic has linked up with Jose Mourinho again in a bid to free Paul Pogba up in the midfield. All the signings look astute and calculated, but if they can also add Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan - like Mourinho has been dying to - they'll be a real force. The Red Devils look scary going forward and look like they have their defence sorted too. If they all gel at the same time, we could be looking at the Premier League champions.

FREEbets.org.uk Prediction

West Ham have made some really positive, shrewd signings this summer and look set to improve. However, United have done the same and then some and look like they can really go on and be title contenders this season. Will Lukaku hit the ground running? There's every reason to suggest he will and if Mourinho is ready to unleash his new-look side on everyone.